"What?" I cried. "Dressed like that?" I was all confused. A few days earlier Rich let me know that we needed to go to Greensboro for a building dedication-- his old Army Reserve Unit had a new building and they were calling on the old guard to come in so they could show it off. While Rich-- now retired-- did not have his uniform on, he was still looking as sharp as ever in a button-down, khakis and a blue blazer. This new news did not add up.
He went on to explain that at THE MOST IMPORTANT GAME of the season, at THE BEST RIVALRY GAME OF ALL TIME, at THE MOST TALKED ABOUT GAME IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, he would be recognized as the "Hometown Hero" for his 33 years of military service. As a thank you to all veterans, Window World (a sponsor of UNC basketball) honors someone in the military at each game by treating them to complimentary tickets and recognizing them during the first official time out when the crowd needs something to cheer for (and some good PR). Tonight, they chose my husband. And he kept it a secret from me. . . for two whole weeks. . . .until we were too close to UNCs campus to be able to spin any more tall tales of why turning down this road would be a faster way to the new reserve center (whatever).
It was just a week ago when I made a comment about how I missed the fun part of army life. We got to do some pretty fun things: military balls, special ceremonies, a trip to Germany, standing at the start of the NYC marathon, Blue Star Highway dedications, jumping with the Golden Knights, etc. And now, with Rich retired, creating our own fun was just a bit harder. And the thing is, while I was complaining, Rich knew. He knew he was sitting on these tickets. He knew that what he held tight-lipped would be the BEST military moment for ME because of my love for the Duke-UNC rivalry. Rich knew I'd have to eat my words. And so he waited for just the right time to offer up the surprise.
It was a great game. . . as all UNC-Duke games are. But it was great this time because WE WERE THERE. It's a bucket list item for me. . . something I have always wanted to experience. The volume of the crowd. The excitement of the game. The history and respect of both basketball teams. And what made it even more wonderful was that this bucket list item was not about basketball anymore. Going as a couple and having Rich recognized as the "Hometown Hero" of the game made it a story about us, how fortunate we are, and how good things do happen to good people. I know Rich felt honored to be recognized at the game. But I know that what brought hime even more joy was to surprise me with something that he knew I would be over-the-moon about. And it worked.
The icing-on-the-cake and the cherry-on-top was that Duke won. It helped heal the wound from last year when UNC rained on Coach K's last game parade (see last year's blog post). Yes, I would have LOVED to experience a UNC win on the home court (I can only imagine the insanity). But, I'll happily take a Duke win too. There was just no way to lose tonight! I consider myself lucky either outcome. I got to go to a UNC-Duke game all because of the hero my husband truly is.
Our seats for the first half were GREAT. . . cause we borrowed them. :)
Check one off my bucket list!
Hometown Hero!
Rich being recognized.
Duke pre-game huddle.
Outside the Dean Dome.
In front of the Carolina Club (where we had dinner)
